New Big Top Tent by the numbers
Big Top Original Productions
NEW SEASON. NEW TENT.
BY CLAIRE DUQUETTE
When the blue and gray canvas sidewalls open and let the crowd in on the first night of the 2014 Lake Superior Big Top Chautauqua season, those concert-goers will be the first to hear the sweet sound of music under a new canvas tent.
The fifth new tent in Big Top’ s 28 years will seat over 900 with sidewalls that open up wider to allow cool summer breezes in and offer improved sight lines for those sitting on the grounds.
“ It’ s an historic event, the delivery of a brand-new canvas tent,” said Big Top Executive Director Terry Matier.“ They just don’ t make them like this any more. Warren( Big Top founder Warren Nelson) used to always breathe in the smell of the canvas and say‘ there is no smell like a new tent’. I’ m not looking forward to the smell as much as the sight of it. It will be magnificent!”
The new tent became a necessity after fierce 2013 windstorms ripped holes in the previous tent that could be
patched over, but threatened the overall integrity of the aging canvas. Given the situation, the structure had to be considered a total loss. It was a challenge the staff, board and generous Big Top patrons met by raising funds for a brand-new tent, ensuring Big Top’ s musical magic will continue.
They only briefly considered anything other than canvas for the new tent.
“ Vinyl is more popular for structures now,” said Big Top Operations Manager and musician Phil Anich,“ but the acoustics are lousy.”
He explained that when sound hits vinyl, it slaps back, creating a harsh effect. Canvas, on the other hand, absorbs the sound in a way that is pleasing to the ear.
To stitch together the behemoth structure, Big Top turned once again to Anchor Industries Inc. of Evansville, Ind. to sew a new tent both strong and beautiful. Sewing canvas is something of a dying art, as synthetic fabrics have come to dominate the niche once held
New Big Top Tent by the numbers
• 70 x 140 feet
• 483 feet in circumference
• 4 center poles – 29 feet tall
• 20 quarter poles – 19 feet tall
• 64 side poles – 10 feet tall
• 950 seats
• 2,100 yards of royal blue canvas
• 900 yards of pearl gray canvas
• Sewing crew included:
• 5 sewing operators
• 3 bench workers putting in rope holes and grommets
• 3 folders
• 1 supervisor
• 2,000 pounds of canvas in five 400-pound rolls
• 1,467 hours of labor
• $ 140,000 price tag
by canvas. But Anchor Industries still makes canvas tents and other items – including this very special tent.
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Big Top Original Productions
Join us for our own unique brand of shows that feature songs and stories performed by Big Top’ s Blue Canvas Orchestra and Singers that bear the hallmark of exquisite musicianship illustrated by big-screen visuals.
Under the heading of our historical musicals, the real heartbeat of the Big Top, we have explored our waters, our forests, our Native tribes, the golden era of railroads, and the agriculture and industry that built this area. This year Big Top Founder, Warren Nelson, brings us his newest work“ Take Me To The Islands,” an illustrated history of the Apostle Islands. Also new in 2014 is“ Shanties & Shipwrecks,” our celebration of sailing and our honoring of those who went down with the ship.
Another style of original show pays homage to our favorite songwriters and musicians such as Paul Simon, Cat Stevens, Joni Mitchell, Carole King, and Crosby, Stills & Nash. This year we reprise our Bob Dylan Retrospective called“ Highway 61 Revisited.” New this year is“ Big Top Opry” celebrating the classic Country and Western songs by the likes of Hank Williams and Patsy Cline.
You haven’ t fully experienced the Big Top until you’ ve seen the Original Shows! This year: Riding the Wind, Highway 61 Revisited, Blue Canvas Rewind, Big Top Opry, Shanties & Shipwrecks, Take Me To The Islands, Blue Canvas Orchestra in Concert plus New First Night, Tent Show Radio Live!, & Old Last Night variety shows.
Support of Big Top’ s original productions provided by The Boldt Company
Promotional support provided by
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